Clippers Dominate Spurs 107-92: The 5 Things We Learned
By Tom West
The Clippers played angry
Apr 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Aron Baynes (16) fights for a loose ball with Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) and forward Matt Barnes (22) during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The fans in Los Angeles were pumped last night. Not just because their team won the 3rd seed and were looking to begin their road to a championship, but because of all the emphatic plays that just kept on coming.
One of the most important aspects of the Clippers’ victory was, in fact, their mindset. They didn’t approach the game like they were playing the defending champions, or going against a team that should intimidate them. Instead, they took the fight to them.
And at a terrific pace.
Paul was poised throughout the night and wasn’t afraid to attack the basket past anyone who got in his way, and even blew past Leonard on the way to one of his many layups.
Jordan swatted shots with as much anger as he could muster, which went a long way in creating the cheers that resonated through Staples Center all night long.
Matt Barnes demonstrated his infamous toughness, and made sure that the Spurs had to look out for him just as much as anyone else. His attempt to rip the ball from the hands of Aron Baynes is exactly what a championship teams need; a grit and toughness that goes beyond just playing well and making shots. Barnes fulfils that role better than anyone in this matchup, and you can count on him to keep it up.
And then there’s Griffin.
He just bullied everyone, and put Baynes on enough posters to cover an entire wall. If he continues to attack with the same kind of ferocity (at home and on the road) then L.A.’s chances to move past San Antonio increase dramatically.
This series has only just started, though, so it’s important not to get carried away as this Spurs team is one of the best dynasties in NBA history (and with Leonard’s improvement, they’re even better). However, the Clippers have proved that they are ready for this fight. And last night’s performance couldn’t have been any more promising.